Dr Roger Perkins
hysterectomy Perth
Should you have
a hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy introduction
What is a hysterectomy?
The surgical removal of the uterus or womb is what we call a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is major surgery and may be performed if you have one of the following conditions.
- Endometriosis: can cause a lot of pain and if severe, a hysterectomy may be the best treatment. When you are still in your reproductive years, I will inform you about the consequences of this decision.
- Adenomyosis: is also often the cause of heavy, painful periods and hysterectomy may be the best treatment option.
- Fibroids: can also cause heavy bleeding and be a reason for surgical removal of your uterus.
- Cancer of the cervix, uterus, ovaries or tubes: with this diagnosis, a hysterectomy must happen as soon as possible to stop the cancer from spreading.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): is when you have a pelvic infection that creates scarring. If you start feeling pain from these scars and if you are not planning to have children, then removing the uterus is a possible treatment pathway.
- Uterine prolapse: when the tissues and ligaments that support your uterus are severely weakened, often after childbirth, we may recommend a hysterectomy.
Whatever the reason to consider hysterectomy, I will always inform you about the consequences of the procedure, both physically and mentally.
Hysterectomy types
Different types of surgery
Depending on your unique circumstances and the underlying conditions that you may have, I will inform you about the different types of surgery and the one that is most suitable for you.
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy: makes use of small incisions (keyhole surgery) around your abdomen. We then insert the laparoscope (the camera) to give us a clear view during the surgery. Instruments are then inserted through other incisions to remove your womb, and or cervix.
- Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy or LAVH: The camera instrument is inserted through small incisions and most of the operation is done through these keyholes but the uterus is removed through the vagina.
- Vaginal hysterectomy is when the entire procedure is done through the vagina, through an incision that is made in the top of the vagina. It means that you don’t have any cuts on the abdomen. This type of surgery is less invasive than an abdominal hysterectomy and has the quickest recovery time.
- Abdominal hysterectomy: An incision is made across your abdomen (horizontally) or in some cases vertically below your belly button. We may recommend this type of surgery if your womb is enlarged by fibroids or pelvic tumours and we cannot remove them through your vagina.
"Generally, I prefer to remove the uterus using the laparoscopic technique, which allows you to go home the next day and recovery is quicker. Unless specifically requested, it is usual to remove the intact uterus, although partial (‘subtotal’) hysterectomy is sometimes performed. In that case, the cervix is not removed. This means ongoing cervical surveillance (‘Paps’) with the usual screening intervals."
It is now usual to remove the Fallopian tubes at the time of the hysterectomy in order to reduce cancer risks.
Sometimes one or both ovaries are removed at the time. If both ovaries are removed then that will result in a decline in female hormones and may require replacement treatment. Ovaries may also be removed if there is significant pathology associated with the ovaries, such as severe endometriosis.
Hysterectomy procedure
What does the procedure involve?
"Gas is inserted into the abdomen to allow the operation to proceed. Next, 4 thin tubes (‘ports’) are placed in the wall of the abdomen through which the surgery instruments are inserted. There are advanced instruments that are designed to do the surgery safely. The uterus is removed through the natural vaginal opening."
After hysterectomy
After your surgery
When you wake up you may feel some pain and be tired. We will give you painkillers to reduce your discomfort. The day after surgery we will encourage you to take a short walk to prevent blood clots from developing in your legs.
If you have had a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, you may be able to leave the hospital after 1 or 4 days. If you have had an abdominal hysterectomy, it may take up to 5 days before you are discharged. Follow-up appointments with the hospital are only needed in case of any complications. When you have had an abdominal hysterectomy it may take up to 8 weeks to fully recover. Vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy have shorter recovery times.
"At home, you should take time over the next two weeks to rest as much as possible. Try not to exert yourself. We recommend against heavy lifting and exercise for two weeks. Most women will be able to return to work in three weeks. Intercourse is allowable after ten weeks. Two weeks after the procedure, you will see me again for follow up."
Following hysterectomy, there is no adverse effect on sexuality, and it is possible to enjoy intimacy as beforehand.
As I mentioned before, the decision to have a hysterectomy is not taken lightly and when you have had the procedure you may sense a loss or feel sad. That is normal. If these feelings don’t go away over time, it is important to speak to me or your GP.
FAQ
Hysterectomy surgeon Perth
Why Dr Roger Perkins for hysterectomy?
As a gynaecological surgeon, I believe that every woman deserves to be seen in an unrushed environment. I will explain in great deal the pros and cons of each type of surgery as well as the consequences of the procedure, both physically and mentally. Our first step is to fully diagnose any underlying conditions you may have before we decide to remove your uterus. Then if you do need the procedure, we choose the most suitable surgery type for your situation.
If you have any questions about hysterectomy procedures or the information on this web page, don’t hesitate to contact our practice. We look forward to helping you.
More about Dr Roger Perkins
Painful periods
It is often hard for women to know whether their cycle is abnormal. After all, how do you compare yourself with others? A woman’s menstrual cycle is very individual and private, and so learning what may be different from others can be difficult.
Endometriosis
Your (normal) endometrial tissue creates a lining inside your uterus. This type of tissue is important at the start of your pregnancy when an embryo needs a place in the uterus to attach. This exact same type of tissue can also grow outside your uterus. That is what leads to a diagnosis of endometriosis.
"My aim is to make you feel comfortable at all times. My consultation style is unrushed and I respect your schedule by minimising waiting times. You’re a unique person and I make it my goal to truly get to know you."
